Iran welcomes ‘political reconciliation’ in Yemen

A senior Iranian diplomat says the Islamic Republic welcomes any political reconciliation that would end the ongoing deadlock in Yemen.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes any political reconciliation in Yemen, which would guarantee the rights of people and all domestic parties in this country," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Saturday.

He added that Tehran supports an "independent, united, stable and secure" Yemen where all parties would fulfill their obligations.

Amir-Abdollahian also stated that the Yemeni government and people "will not allow Takfiri terrorists to divert the course of public demands and political reconciliation towards extremism and violence.”

At least five people were killed on Saturday during heavy fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a.

Several others were also wounded by mortar shelling near the state TV building, according to media sources.

Clashes also broke out on the road to the international airport, near a major military base, on two university campuses as well as outside the Interior Ministry.

Protesters have been staging demonstrations in the capital for nearly a month, demanding the establishment of a new government. They say the government is corrupt and marginalizes the country’s Shia community.

The new battles come despite ongoing UN-backed efforts to broker a deal between Houthis and the government.